Maybe you were born to run. But born to detail? Forget it. Tramps like us need a pro. For less than $200, a detailing shop can transform your ride, inside and out, leaving it looking used-car-lot new. Here’s help finding a shop you can trust.

The reason to have your car detailed or washed is the same reason you comb your hair or wear a clean shirt: to look good. If you don't bother to detail or wash your you might lose a little resale value down the line, but probably not that much.

A basic detailing job usually takes four to five hours to complete and usually includes an exterior wash, claying, polishing, and waxing; an interior cleaning; and tire cleaning and treatments. Many shops also provide other services upon request.

While even the best body shops can't undo an accident, our ratings reveal that many shops will get your car back on the road without a hitch. But our ratings also reveal that some shops may compound your misery with lousy work.

In addition to checking how shops were rated by their customers, judging how well shops communicate, and certifications, ask about the source of any parts that will be used. There is some concern over the quality of used and aftermarket parts.